Why This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
The Grand Sumo Tournament
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: 15-19 October
Understanding Sumo Wrestling
Sumo embodies Japan's iconic national sport, blending tradition, rigorous training and Shinto religious rituals with origins over a millennium.
This combat sport features two wrestlers – known as rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – a dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Traditional ceremonies are performed before and after every match, highlighting the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made at the center of the dohyo and filled with nuts, squid, seaweed and sake by Shinto priests.
The hole gets sealed, containing within divine presence. The rikishi subsequently execute a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a strict hierarchy, and the wrestlers involved commit completely to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
This Major Sumo Event is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in the sport's history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated he wanted to "convey with London audiences the appeal of Sumo – an ancient traditional Japanese culture".
Sumo has experienced a significant rise in popularity globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the appeal of traditional Japan abroad.
Sumo Bout Mechanics
The fundamental regulations of sumo are quite simple. The match is decided once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than their foot soles.
Bouts can conclude almost instantly or last over two minutes.
Sumo features two main fighting styles. Aggressive pushers generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers prefer to grapple the other rikishi and use throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi frequently excel in various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets may happen during any match.
Weight classes are not used within sumo, making it normal to see rikishi of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents rather than body measurements.
Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo worldwide, they cannot enter elite competitions including major venues.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers reside and practice together in training stables known as heya, led by a stable master.
The daily routine for wrestlers focuses entirely around the sport. Early mornings dedicated to training, followed by a large meal of chankonabe – a high-protein dish designed for weight gain – with rest periods.
The average wrestler consumes between multiple servings per meal – approximately 10,000 calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Wrestlers intentionally gain weight for competitive advantage in the ring. Despite their size, they possess surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Nearly all elements of rikishi life get controlled through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
Competitive standing affects their payment, accommodation options and even support staff.
Junior or lower ranked wrestlers perform duties around the heya, while higher ranked competitors receive preferred treatment.
Competitive standings are established by results in six annual tournaments. Successful competitors move up, while those losing drop down the rankings.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. These champions embody the essence of the sport – transcending winning.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
The sport includes 600 rikishi competing professionally, with most being Japanese.
Foreign wrestlers have been involved significantly over years, including Mongolian wrestlers reaching top levels currently.
Current Yokozuna feature international representatives, with competitors from various nations achieving high ranks.
Recently, young international aspirants have journeyed to the homeland seeking wrestling careers.
